Meet Donna - A Stories from the Studio post

Have I mentioned that we love our students here at the studio?  We have collected an awesome group of women and families who attend - and teach - classes and workshops here and want you to get to know them a bit!  The Stories from the Studio posts will feature a student or teacher - get to know our wonderful community before you get here!

Meet Donna - Evanston resident, graduate student, married mom of two small children, and a regular in our Pilates Mat classes.  She and her family have been coming to the studio in one way or another since our first year (2010) - first with her toddler, then wearing her second child, and now on her own.  With her busy schedule it's great that she makes it into the studio once or twice a week!

How have you changed/benefited since finding Hip Circle Studio?  

Not just the weight loss but my clothes fit better and my core feels tighter.  I find my posture has become much improved and I’m in less back and shoulder pain.  I’m less stressed, as well. 

What is something you’ve found at the studio that you haven’t found elsewhere/what makes the studio special to you? 

I really think that it’s all about the community – I find a female community that is nonjudgmental and supportive even though there aren’t too many words being exchanged.  I love the warmth that I feel every time I am in class and think the world of Malik, too!  It has that family feel of a small business and local support.  It’s a wonderful resource for a woman in any stage in her life whether she’s single or committed/married or pregnant or has children or doesn’t.  There are so many wonderful workshops – like the name “Hip Circle” says – it truly is a circle that encompasses all the different stages of a woman’s life. 

What else should people know about the studio? 

It’s more than just classes that they offer – they offer a great community and resources.  They’re also very involved in the City of Evanston, as well!  Wait for the summer when there is Pilates in the park! 

Do you have a favorite instructor?  Who and Why? 

My favorite instructor is Malik because of how much I admire her – she definitely has a lot on her plate and is able to juggle most of it but also takes the time for her family and herself.  She gives off this great sense of inner knowing. 

 

What else should people know about you? 

I’m a busy woman.  It’s hard for me to say no so I juggle working full-time, helping to run my husband’s acupuncture practice, mother my two young children including being the assistant coach to my son’s AYSO team and taking both of them to their music lessons.  I’m also a part-time graduate student who can’t help but also sit on the board of directors for two non-profits, Programming Co-Chair for The Parent Circle here in Evanston, and volunteer for the City of Evanston Minority/Women/Evanston Business committee, as well.  To help me stay focused, I have my weekly Pilates class with Malik to keep me healthy mentally and physically.

Pilates Mat - An Expectations Post

So what can you expect at Hip Circle Studio classes?  I'm going to do my best to give you a peek into the different classes we offer through a series of "Expectations" posts.  Of course, seeing is believing, so I hope this is just enough information to help you give a class a try.  Nothing is a replacement for the live experience.

I found Pilates, in a way that stuck, about 2 years ago.  I had attempted a class SEVERAL years ago that was not a good fit - it moved very fast, wasn't taught with modification options, and left me feeling inadequate and sore.  I am ever so grateful to Fayth for offering a deal for her studio, Sixpax, for showing me what Pilates could be!  I was hooked after just a few sessions with her, was seeing results in my core strength and appearance, and didn't hurt (beyond I-just-worked-out-muscle-soreness)!  I also noticed an unexpected change in my bellydance technique - the focus on core strengthening was one thing, but the extra awareness this brought  made me a better, stronger dancer.  I studied with Fayth and now am thrilled to have Pilates Mat as a class at the studio.

What Happens in a Pilates Mat class?

We are focused on your core muscles in this class, and get them stronger by doing exercises in a variety of positions - on your back, on your side, on all fours, on your stomach, standing - you name it, it might happen in a class.  The movements are slow and controlled, tied to your breath, so you have plenty of time to figure out how to make your body make them happen.  One of the nice things about our Pilates classes is that I'm either showing the move or watching you do the move - we're not moving together.  This means you get a good view of what your goal is in whichever posture before attempting the move, and feedback from me while you're doing the move.  It's almost like you and your 7 class-mates (I limit the number of students to 8 to be sure I'm able to give each of you ample attention) are each in a private session, getting tips and pointers specific to you and your body.


You work on a mat and don't wear shoes.  Socks are great for some of the poses but unless you wear a pair with grippy bottoms you'll take them off for others.  We have mats available for you to borrow or you're welcome to bring your own.  Squishy is better for Pilates, so if you have a super-thin yoga mat you might want one of ours underneath for cushioning.

There is background music playing, the lights are dimmed, and the mood is focused but light.  Each student moves at their own pace and level, working so that their body of today is challenged in a non-competitive environment.  Sometimes it's just you and your mat, but we do use props (foam rollers, bosu balls, resistance bands, Pilates rings) from time to time to get at the muscles in a different way or to support a modification that's needed.  Each class is a little different, changing based on who is in attendance and on my focus for the month.  

Prenatal mamas are welcome throughout their pregnancy - do let me know as soon as you arrive (or better yet, when you sign up) so I can offer modifications throughout the class.  Postpartum mamas are also welcome once cleared for exercise by your doc/midwife, and babies (pre-crawling) are welcome in our Friday morning class.  If you have an injury or area of concern it is important to let me know before we begin so I can help you make safe choices and modifications throughout the class.

What you WON'T find in our Pilates Mat classes:

• Beginner shaming
• Competition
• Pushing you to do a pose/exercise your body isn't ready for
• Unsafe poses/exercises

Pilates can be for everyone.  I hope you give it a try! What questions can I answer for you about our Pilates Mat classes?